The Boise Hawks operated as an independent club from 1987 to 1989 and became an affiliate of the California Angels in 1990. They remained an Angels farm club for more than a decade before becoming affiliated with the Cubs in 2001.

As an independent team in 1989, the Boise Hawks exercised their right to draft players in the June draft, becoming the first minor league team to do so since 1971. Neither player drafted by Boise ( Paul Cluff and Darrell MacMillan) made the majors. MacMillan played college ball for 1989 pitching coach Chip Reese. In 1990, the Erie Sailors (1 pick) and Miami Miracle (16 picks) followed suit.